Omaha daily bee., 1887-06-09
THE sYNOD's EXCURSION.
How the Lutherans Spent the Day at
Lincoln and Beatrice.

L1nCOin ana b0RCr1Ce.
Yesterday the Lutherans synod indulg-
ed in recess and devoted the day to an
excursion to Lincoln and Beatrice. The
members and many OF the friends who
are entertaining them in this city met at
B & M. station at 7:3O q, M, but the start
was not made until o'clock, arriving in
Lincoln two hours later on special train
Of seven passenger coaches. There were
exactly three hundred and fifty of the
excursionists. number somewhat in
excess Of what was expected by the Lin
coin people, so that about one-third of
the visitors failed to obtain seats in the
carriages, which had been provided to
show them the sights CT the city.
1t had been whispered that din.
ner would be served in the
skating rink. and thither the unfortunates
wended their way. Arriving at the rink
they found that there is no misfortune
without its compensation, for they were
bountifully served by the ladies who had
prepared what an Omaha man declared
to be a square meal" By the time they
had finished their dinner the carriages
began to arrive at the rink and all who
desired had an opportunity to take their
turn in looking about the city. The
badges which were worn by the tourists
were sufficient recommendation to pass
all of them over all street car lines. and
SO all had an opportunity to see places of
interest. After dinner the large M. +.
church opposite was opened, and with
many of the citizens the entire company
gathered therein and listened to short
addresses by u few of the visiting clergy
men and other prominent citizens OF
Lincoln. After a few words by Rev. DIR.
Rhodes Gov. John M. Thayer was intro
duced. Remembering his cordial words
of welcome at the opening meeting in
Omaha the members OF the synod greeted
him with prolonged applause, which was
repeated many times during his brief
address.
Rev. Dr. Ort. president of the general
synod, responded to the governors s
speech in his usual happy manner, Hon.
w. Conrad. ID. d., followed, the former
bidding a cordial welcome, the latter
giving some interesting "reminiscences OF
his early observations of western life.
Postmaster Watkins followed with o
humorous speech which was received
with continuous laughter and applause,
These pleasant exercises were cut short
which started for Beatrice twenty min
utes after the appointed time. At $40
o'clock the company eXcursionists ar
rived in Beatrice where ample provision
had been made to convey the entire
party about the city IN carriages. The
real object of the excursion was to show
the Synod the site which the city of
Beatrice desires TO offer for the proposed
Western Lutheran College.
A quarter section adjoining the town
directly on the east has, been
staked oil into streets and lots,
Four blocks, covering sixteen acres, al
the highest point on tho tract, and af-
fording a view Of the country for fifteen
miles around, has been set apart for the
college building and campus, and they
offer also quarter interest IN the lots on
In money. They hold out also some
considerable prospects of future endow-
ment of the college.
In response to loud calls, Rev. q. "
Enders and Rev. DIR. Ort in turn stooC
on the drivers seat Of large carriage
and made short speeches commendat0ry
of the proposed location, after which
mile Of roadway in close order, started
out for still further discovery Of objects
of interest, driving in all direc
tions until about B o'clock. Sup
per was furnished by the excursion
committee at various hotels and at tn,
opera house. After supper a large as
semblage of people gathered in the oper'
house and listened to speeches by seyera
gentlemen.
Hon. Z. q. Kretsinger, mayor, said
at is my distinguished duty to bid You
hearty welcome" He then paid glow
ing tribute TO the character first OF Martil
Luther and his followers and then to tn
greatness OF the state of Nebraska AM
the city of Beatrice. He urged the claim
of that place as the proper location TO
the college.
Rev. Dr.. Ort. president Of the genera